Nurse's Corner

 

HEALTH TIPS FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Joanne Kristiansen, RN


If your child is absent please call the school at 973-483-6400.
If your child sees the doctor a note will give your child an excused absence. Please make sure your child is fever free for 24 hours before he/she returns to school.

It is my greatest pleasure to have the privilege of taking care of your children and having your trust in doing so. I am always available for any questions or concerns your may have.  Here are some tips to help keep you children healthy:

 

  1. Healthy children are better learners. Children need adequate sleep (at least 10 hours per night) in order to perform their best during their school day.
  2. Three nutritious meals with an emphasis on protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are essential for a child's optimum growth and development. Sugary treats should be kept to a minimum.
  3. Proper hand washing is essential to help prevent the spread of germs. Plenty of soap and water for the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday" is a good guide.
  4. Dental health is an integral part of hygiene. Brushing twice daily with regular dental visits will help your child maintain a healthy smile. February is National Dental Month.
  5. The children are reminded during school hours to cover their sneezes and coughs. Sneezing or coughing into a sleeve is a good way to keep those germs off of hands and thereby keeping them away from other children and surfaces where germs can be spread.
  6. PERSONAL SPACE is an important concept to teach children to help them keep a reasonable distance from others.  It is very important to keep germs to ourselves, and also to stop the spread of those dreaded head lice.
  7. The nurse's role in managing head lice is education and open communication with the parents. This should always be a very confidential matter to be discussed only with the nurse.
  8. Asthma is a serious health matter and can be managed at home and at school. A child with asthma can attend school if the proper medication is with the nurse. Please do not allow your child to self-medicate with an inhaler.
  9. All medications are to be brought to the nurse, labeled with the child's name and proper documentation from the prescribing doctor. Please bring the medications directly to the nurse. Do not allow your child to carry any medications in their book bag. This can be a danger to other children.